Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
US military bars BYD vehicles from Okinawa air base
The US military will bar BYD vehicles from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, starting Oct.
26.
The ban covers all BYD vehicles, including those used by personnel, contractors, taxis and delivery services.
US officials are concerned that cameras, radar and location systems in the cars could record details about military activity and send data outside the base.
The move follows the US adding BYD to a list of companies it believes are aiding China’s military.
Kadena is the largest US air base overseas, making the concern about information gathered there significant.
A wider ban at other bases is possible but not confirmed, and US forces in South Korea say they have no change to their base-entry policy to announce.
The US military will bar BYD vehicles from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa from Oct. 26, according to reports cited by the articles.
The ban is reported to apply to all BYD vehicles, including those used by personnel, contractors, businesses and taxis.
US officials reportedly raised concerns that cameras, radar and location-tracking devices could expose sensitive information about the base.
A spokesperson for Kadena’s 18th Wing said BYD vehicles pose an unacceptable risk to personnel and missions.
The US added BYD to a list of companies it believes are aiding China’s military in June.
- Who
- The US military at Kadena Air Base. The ban covers BYD vehicles used by base personnel, contractors, businesses and taxis.
- What
- BYD vehicles will be barred from entering the base.
- When
- From Oct. 26. The articles were published on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, 2026.
- Where
- Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
- Why
- US officials reportedly fear vehicle cameras, radar and location-tracking devices could collect and leak sensitive military information.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The US added BYD to a list of companies it believes are aiding China’s military.
Reports said the US military would bar BYD vehicles from Kadena Air Base from Oct. 26.
The reported start date for the ban on BYD vehicles at Kadena Air Base.
- Base
- Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
- Start date
- Oct. 26
- Company
- BYD
- Coverage
- Personnel, contractors, commercial entities and taxis
- US list
- BYD was added in June to a list of companies the US believes are aiding China’s military
4 sources
What people are saying
BYD vehicles pose an unacceptable risk to base personnel and missions